Americas

The US Army is contracting Syracuse Research Corp to keep the Silent Archer System operational. The awarded contract modification is priced at $25.7 million and provides for logistics and engineering support services of the Counter-UAV systems in US Army areas of operation, as well as for continued development, production, integration, delivery and deployment. Silent Archer is a lightweight system designed to hunt down and neutralize enemy unmanned aerial systems of any size, it can be modified to fit on a tactical vehicle or even a commercial-model pickup truck. The system consists of an air surveillance radar system, an electronic warfare (EW) suite, a direction-finding unit and an electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) camera that helps to positively identify drone threats. Work will be performed at SRC’s factory in North Syracuse, New York, and is scheduled for completion by January 31st, 2019.

Raytheon’s SM-6 naval defense missile enters full rate production. The US Navy is awarding the company with a $395.6 million contract modification that provides for the missile’s procurement in FY17 and FY18. The SM-6 ERAM is a next-generation air defense missile, which will eventually supplement SM-2 missiles in the air/surface defense role against cruise missiles and aircraft. The SM-6 comes with an “over-the-horizon” targeting mode, where it’s cued by other ships or even aircraft, then uses its own seeker for the final approach. The missile incorporates technology from existing technologies such as the the airframe of the SM-2 Block IV, and advanced seeker technology derived from the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). Work will be performed at multiple locations, including – but not limited to – Tucson, Arizona; Wolverhampton, United Kingdom and Anaheim, California. Initial production for this order is expected to be completed by September 2022.

Lockheed Martin announces a significant price drop of the F-35 JSF. The company recently received an $11.5 billion order for 141 F-35s from the Pentagon. This is the biggest batch ordered yet, and includes the purchase of 91 aircraft for US services, 28 for international development partners and 22 for FMS customers. The F-35A version sees a drop of 5.4%, now costing $89.2 million per unit. The F-35B, which is considered to be the most expensive variant of the JSF drops by 5.7% to a price of $115.5 million and the F-35C, designed for carrier operations, drops 11.1% to 107.7 million. The F-35 JSF fighter program is considered to be the most expensive procurement program in history and is expected to cost $1.5 trillion over its projected 55-year lifetime. Production of the aircraft started this year and deliveries will begin in 2019.

Middle East & Africa

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will receive continued support for the radars used to control its THAAD systems. Raytheon will provide the country with radar sustainment and technical support services as part of this $59.1 million contract modification. This modification brings the total value of the FMS contract to $800 million. THAAD is controlled by Raytheon’s AN/TPY-2 X-Band, phased array, solid-state, long-range air defense radar. For THAAD, targeting information from the TPY-2 is uploaded to the missile immediately before launch, and continuously updated in flight via datalinks. The TPY-2 is always deployed with THAAD, but it can also be used independently as part of any ABM (anti ballistic missile) infrastructure. The UAE acquired THAAD in 2011 and uses it alongside the Patriot PAC-3 as a lower-tier ABM-capable complement. Work will be performed in United Arab Emirates and will run from now until September 2020.

The Jordanian armed forces will receive a repaired Integrated Fire Control System (IFCS) from Raytheon. The cost-plus-fixed-fee Foreign Military Sales contract is valued at $8.9 million and is expected to be completed by September 2021. The IFCS upgrade kits will be fitted onto Jordan’s fleet of M60 MBTs. The IFCS is a full director fire control and stabilized synchronized cannon sighting system, which features an advanced forward-looking infrared thermal sight, an eye-safe laser rangefinder, a digital ballistic computer and an improved turret stabilization system. Raytheon already upgraded 180 M60A3 tanks of the armed services of Jordan with the (IFCS), which took the tank to Phoenix level 1 standard. Work will be performed at Raytheon’s facility in Indianapolis.

Europe

The French procurement office and the Navy are currently in the process of building a basic frame of reference for France’s future aircraft carrier. Defense News reports that the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) and the Navy have been working on a “reflection for definition studies,” with those studies required to launch the carrier project. The studies will outline the future carrier’s must have capabilities including the embarkment of Rafale fighter jets, its successors and UAVs. A first study was launched on August, examining lessons learned on aircraft carriers in operation and the second study will focus on technology and overall architecture. The overall dossier comprising the two studies is expected to be completed at the end of 2019 or early 2020, and will allow the authorities to decide the capabilities of the ship. Fance has been interested in building another aircraft carrier for many years, however it cancelled its promising PA2/CVF carrier project due to financial constraints back in 2013.

Asia-Pacific

A China Central Television (CCTV) report suggests that China’s newly developed KLJ-7A radar is now fully operational. Developed by the No.14 Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, the light active phased array radar will be used to enhance the combat capacity of the FC-1 Xiaolong fighter jet. The KLJ-7A can detect and track multiple targets at ranges in excess of 170km. The report further claims that the radar has a similar performance to the radar used on US-made F-35s. It further states, that the upgraded FC-1 may now have an advantage over the F-16 C/Ds in mid-range aerial confrontations.

As Boeing wins the US T-X competition, Korea Aerospace Industries shares plunge. KAI had partnered with Lockheed Martin to offer the T-50A for the competition set to replace the nearly six-decades-old T-38 Talons. After having lost the bid to Boeing, KAI share plunged by 29.8% to $32. A KAI spokesman told Korea Times that “Boeing’s bidding price was unbeatably low,” but the company will strengthen its presence in overseas plane markets by pitching its multipurpose T-50 to countries in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa.

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Latest updates[?]: The French procurement office and the Navy are currently in the process of building a basic frame of reference for France's future aircraft carrier. Defense News reports that the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) and the Navy have been working on a “reflection for definition studies,” with those studies required to launch the carrier project. The studies will outline the future carrier's must have capabilities including the embarkment of Rafale fighter jets, its successors and UAVs. A first study was launched on August, examining lessons learned on aircraft carriers in operation and the second study will focus on technology and overall architecture. The overall dossier comprising the two studies is expected to be completed at the end of 2019 or early 2020, and will allow the authorities to decide the capabilities of the ship. Fance has been interested in building another aircraft carrier for many years, however it cancelled its promising PA2/CVF carrier project due to financial constraints back in 2013.

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PA2 Concept, June 2006

Throughout most of the Cold War period, France maintained two aircraft carriers. That changed when the FNS Foch, the last Clemenceau Class carrier, was retired in November 2000 (it now serves the Brazilian Navy as the Sao Paolo). As Strategis notes, France has lacked the capacity to ensure long-distance air coverage during the FNS Charles de Gaulle’s maintenance cycles or during other periods when the carrier is not available for active duty (approximately 35% of the time). In 2015, the ship will be taken out of service for an extensive maintenance overhaul. Despite a slippage in initial construction dates from 2005 to 2007-2008, the French still hope to take delivery by 2014 so the new ship can be operational by the time their sole operational aircraft carrier goes off line for repairs.

That was the original idea, anyway. Recent developments once again cast doubt on the PA2’s future. The time for a decision was postponed to 2011, but in 2013, DCNS was still waiting, and became increasingly clear France couldn’t afford a second carrier. In fact, the firm is taking its case to the export market. Who might be interested within the next decade is unclear.

Americas

The Air Force is selecting Boeing for the delivery of the next generation of pilot training aircraft. Boeing is being awarded with a $9.2 billion contract that provides for the anticipated delivery of 351 aircraft, 46 associated training devices, and other ancillary supplies and services. The Advanced Pilot Training aircraft will be the T-X system, developed in a partnership between Boeing and Saab. The aircraft is delivered to the Air Force as a complete advanced pilot training system including state-of-the-art, ground-based training aids. The T-X system will eventually replace the current 57-year-old fleet of T-38C Talons. Work will be performed at Boeing’s facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The contract supports the Air Force’s objective of an initial operational capability by 2024 and full operational capability by 2034.

United Launch Services (ULS) is being contracted to shuttle military satellites into space. The awarded contract modification is valued at $867 million and covers the launch of several satellites using Delta IV and Atlas V rockets under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. The EELV program was designed to reduce the cost of government space launches through greater contractor competition, and modifiable rocket families. The rockets can deliver various payloads including AEHF, SATCOM, SBIRS-High and GPSIIF satellites. The modification also provides for base and range support, maintenance, depreciation efforts and launch site and range operations. Work will be performed at ULS’ location in Centennial in Colorado; at the Vandenberg Air Force Base and at Cape Canaveral Air Station. The contract is expected to be completed by September 30, 2019.

Raytheon being tapped to deliver CIWS upgrades to the US Navy, US Army and several partner nations. The firm-fixed-price contract is priced at $482.3 million and provides for the delivery of Mk15 upgrades and conversions, system overhauls, and associated hardware. The Mk15 serves as the last layer of defense against enemy missiles and aircraft. The current Block IB Baseline 2 Upgrade Kits cost $1 million per piece and will be the new US Navy standard by 2019. This contract includes purchases for the Navy, Army and the governments of Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Work will be performed at multiple locations inside and outside the US, including – but not limited to – Melbourne, Florida; Tempe, Arizona and Ottobrunn, Germany. Performance is expected to be completed by April 2024.

The Navy is ordering four more Arleigh-Burke class destroyers from Bath Iron Works. The awarded multiyear contract has a value of $3.9 billion and provides for the construction of one ship per year through FY2022. The DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class ships will form the backbone of the future US Navy. The vessels can operate independently or as part of groups and offer multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. This contract also includes options for engineering change proposals, financial requirements and availabilities that, if exercised, would bring the face value of the order to $4 billion. Work will be performed at Bath Iron Works’ shipyard in Bath, Maine and at several other locations including Cincinnati, Ohio and South Portland, Maine. The new warships are expected to launch by June 2028.

Middle East & Africa

The Kingdom of Bahrain is seeking to purchase GMLRS rockets and ATACMS missiles from Lockheed Martin. The possible Foreign Military Sale is priced at $300 million and includes the delivery of 720 GMLRS rockets and 110 ATACMS missiles. The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System incorporates a GPS-aided inertial guidance package integrated on an improved 227mm rocket body. The system can engage targets at ranges of up to 60km and is designed to engage urban areas and other locations where precision targeting is key. The Army Tactical Missiles System is designed for deep attack of enemy second-echelon forces at ranges beyond that of current cannons and rockets and can operate at ranges of up to 300km. The DSCA release states that both systems will help Bahrain to protect its oil and natural gas infrastructure.

Europe

Airbus is being commissioned to conduct de-risking studies aimed at providing the Eurocopter Tiger with next generation battlefield capabilities, on behalf of French, German and Spanish armament agencies. The Tiger is the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe and comes in different variants. The French HAP version is intended to be a scout and escort helicopter. The German HAC/UHT anti-tank version can fire Stingers, Hydra rockets, anti-tank missiles but lacks a chin turret and cannon. The new Tiger HAD variant was developed to fix those deficiencies, and may become the default version for new-build EC665 Tiger exports. Airbus will now prepare the development and retrofit phases of the new avionics, mission, and weapon systems that will be incorporated onto the new Tiger.

The German Luftwaffe may not get its new heavy-lift helicopters by the time it needs them. Germany’s BAAINBw federal procurement body recently postponed the planned acquisition of either the new CH-53K or Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook until further notice. From 1971-1975, 110 CH-53G derivatives of the CH-53D Sea Stallions were built in Germany. Germany started a large-scale modernisation program in 2002 that included the replacement of the 35-year old electrical system, limiting airframe fatigue and extending the helicopters’ design life from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours. The air force will have to retire its ageing fleet of Sikorsky CH-53Gs from 2025 onwards and initially planned to take delivery of the first new aircraft in 2023. The service expected to finalise the 60-unit deal in 2020.

Asia-Pacific

Media outlets report that Azerbaijan is adding a new operational-tactical missile system to its inventory. The Polonez missile system is a new Belarusian multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) developed by state-owned Foreign Trade Unitary Enterprise (SFTUE) BelSpetsVneshTechnika (BSVT). The Polonez heavy artillery system carries two pods with four 300 mm rockets each. It can engage targets within a distance between 50km and 200km with a high precision rate. Azerbaijan may have bought those new systems as answer to Armenia’s purchase of Iskander missiles.